Master's Degree Programs

This degree program is designed without required courses to allow for maximum technical specialization. Classes are kept small to encourage interaction with your student cohort, your professors and your industry collaborators. These networks are reinforced through career advising and placement, access to alumni and industry connections, and other support.  Upon completion, you earn the Master of Engineering degree in ECE, reflecting an integrated understanding of technology, practice, and leadership.

To complete the MEng ECE degree, students must earn a C or better in 30 electrical and computer engineering course credits and pass a comprehensive exam.

A Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE) is an excellent choice for students seeking research experience with their graduate credentials.  Designed for maximum flexibility, the MS ECE requires 24 graduate course credits in electrical and computer engineering (and related disciplines such as computer science or mathematics), culminating with a written thesis and oral presentation.

Make the most of your senior year and earn a master of engineering or master of science in electrical and computer engineering at an accelerated pace!

The 4+1 plan is an accelerated master’s degree program that provides the opportunity for qualified undergraduate students to take up to 9 (nine) credits of graduate courses as seniors and have these courses simultaneously count for both their bachelor of science degree and their master’s degree here at Boise State University. In just five years, you can earn both a bachelor of science and a master’s in electrical and computer engineering.

Eligibility

Students can apply to pursue a master’s degree in ECE on an accelerated schedule if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) program at Boise State University
• Completion of at least 75 credits applicable to the BSEE
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in ECE courses.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the accelerated master’s degree program at Boise State University. Undergraduate students at other colleges and universities are not eligible to participate in this program.

How to Apply

Eligible students must submit an application by May 15, prior to the start of their senior year. Students must apply online no later than May 15.

• Submit an application to the Boise State University Graduate College. Under the “Academic Goal” section, be sure to indicate that this is an accelerated application. You must mark “yes” to be considered for an accelerated track.
• Transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted by your previous school or an approved transcript service provider according to the instructions for submitting official transcripts.
• A resume/CV.  Please include a comprehensive description of your academic and professional credentials and achievements.
• Personal Statement.  Please include information about your future career goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals, any work experience or academic successes, and any other information that could provide evidence of your motivation, skills and character. Please limit your statement to fewer than 500 words.

NOTE: The GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required. Submission of one recommendation letter is strongly encouraged, but not required.

Registering for Classes

Once a student has been admitted to the accelerated master’s degree program, the Permit for Seniors to Take Graduate Courses form is used to register for classes. The ECE Department will review and submit the form to the Graduate College on the student’s behalf.
During the semester immediately following program acceptance, students enrolled in the accelerated master’s degree program must take at least one three-credit ECE course at the graduate level (5xx or 6xx).

After the Bachelor of Science Requirements are Met

Once students are admitted to the accelerated master’s version of the program and complete their undergraduate degree requirements, they will receive their bachelor’s degree.  They will then be classified as graduate students and proceed to fulfill the remaining requirements for the Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree.

Graduate credit for any courses taken as part of the accelerated master’s degree program will be assigned once the student’s Application for Admission to Candidacy has been approved by the Graduate College.

Academic Performance

Students accepted into the accelerated master’s degree program are subject to all academic performance requirements published by the Graduate College, including semester GPA, program GPA, and individual course grade requirements. These requirements include maintaining a 3.0 GPA in the graduate-level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree. For more information, consult the “Academic Performance” portion of the graduate catalog.

Admission Standards

Admissions are competitive and based on each applicant’s academic merit and potential. These qualifications are determined from the application materials, including official transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable), personal statement, resume or curriculum vita, and letters of recommendation.  Students applying to the Master of Science must also have confirmed research advisor(s).

Minimum Requirements

• All applicants are required to have earned a baccalaureate degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education that is judged equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree or master’s degree by the International Admissions Office.
• A GPA of 3.0/4.0 computed for all undergraduate credits from the applicant’s most relevant baccalaureate degree
• International graduate applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to be considered for admission to Boise State. There are several approved ways for applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. Please refer to the International Admissions Office website for current test score requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• A GPA greater than 3.50/4.0 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework.
• Strong letters of recommendation and consistent ratings of the applicant in the “top 10%” of the listed categories.
• A well-written personal statement that identifies a potential mentor(s) and the desired area of research or track of specialization. In addition, the personal statement should clearly explain the applicant’s motivation and commitment to acquiring a graduate degree
• A resume or curriculum vita that conveys relevant previous research experience, including publications or other projects that require the technical skills necessary to work effectively in their research area of interest.

Application & Transcript Status

Review this guide from the Graduate College to learn how to check the status of your graduate application, check on your transcripts, and log in to manage outstanding tasks: boisestate.edu/graduatecollege/howtoapply/application-status